BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 520I 4DR SALOON 2.2 ES SE
The BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 520I 4DR Saloon 2.2 ES SE is a classic executive car that offers a comfortable and refined driving experience, making it a popular choice for both families and professionals in the UK. Positioned as a premium saloon, it combines stylish design with practicality, ideal for everyday commuting, family outings, or those seeking a reliable used car with a touch of luxury. With its reputation for durability and smooth performance, the 520I model is especially known for its balanced handling and impressive build quality, setting it apart from some rivals in its class.
This particular BMW 5 Series is often chosen for its well-crafted interior, good level of features, and reputation for reliability. Although it’s an older model, it continues to appeal to those who appreciate a car that offers a blend of style, comfort, and driving enjoyment. Used versions with an average mileage of around 122,663 miles tend to be reasonably priced—typically around £1,192 in private sales—and are suitable for drivers seeking a solid, well-loved vehicle. Whether you’re looking for a dependable car for daily use or a project to restore, the BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) 520I 4DR Saloon is a notable choice in the popular executive saloon segment, consistently appreciated for its driving experience and build quality.
average use
The most recent mileage data for the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) 520I indicates a diverse range of recorded mileages. Notably, the highest proportion of vehicles (18.2%) have recorded mileages between 120,000 and 130,000 miles. There are also significant clusters in the lower mileage brackets, such as 0 to 10,000 miles (2.3%) and 50,000 to 60,000 miles (2.3%), suggesting some vehicles are relatively low mileage. Interestingly, a notable percentage of vehicles (6.8%) are recorded between 150,000 and 160,000 miles, and other high mileage ranges like 140,000 to 150,000 miles also account for 11.4% of recordings, indicating a number of vehicles with substantial usage. Overall, the data highlights a wide spread of mileages, which reflects varied vehicle usage histories within this model.
vehicle values
The data indicates that the majority of private sale prices for the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 520i 4DR Saloon 2.2 ES SE fall within the £1,000 to £2,000 range, accounting for approximately 72.7% of listings. A smaller portion, 27.3%, are priced below £1,000. This suggests that most private sellers value these vehicles within the lower end of the price spectrum, possibly reflecting typical market value, vehicle condition, or age considerations.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 520I 4DR Saloon 2.2 ES SE vehicles from this sample were manufactured in 2003, accounting for approximately 61.4%. In contrast, about 38.6% were built in 2002. This suggests a significant portion of the vehicles in the sample are from the later part of the model's production period, with a notable concentration in 2003.
colour popularity
The data indicates that for the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 520I 4DR Saloon 2.2 ES SE models, the most common main paint colour is blue, accounting for approximately 31.8% of vehicles. Silver is also quite prevalent, representing half of the sample at 50%. Other notable colours include black (6.8%), grey (6.8%), white (2.3%), and green (2.3%). Interestingly, vibrant or darker colours like blue and black dominate the palette, suggesting that these shades are popular choices among owners of this model.
ownership cycle
The data indicates that the majority of 'BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 520I 4DR Saloon 2.2 ES SE' vehicles have been registered with a small number of keepers, with 20.5% having had five or four keepers each. Notably, a significant proportion—11.4%—have been registered with six, three, or eight keepers, suggesting some vehicles may have experienced more frequent ownership changes. Additionally, 2.3% of the vehicles have had no recorded previous keepers, possibly indicating brand-new or imported vehicles. Overall, the data reflects a relatively stable ownership pattern with occasional multiple-keeper vehicles.
engine choices
The data indicates that the vast majority of the BMW 5 Series (1996-03) 520i 4-door saloons are equipped with a 2.2-liter engine, accounting for approximately 97.7% of the vehicles. Additionally, petrol is the primary fuel type used in about 97.7% of these vehicles, with a small minority (around 2.3%) operating on gas bi-fuel systems. This suggests that the standard configuration for this model predominantly features a 2.2-liter petrol engine, reflecting common engine and fuel choices for this vehicle during its production period.
